Arizona Police Association Calls
for Kiehne to Withdraw from Race
APA outraged by Gary Kiehne’s comparison
of Arizona police officers to Nazi agents
In an interview with The
Arizona Republic published Monday afternoon, Kiehne lashed out at Arizona
police officers assisting with evacuations during the 2011 Wallow Fire,
comparing them to Nazi agents who “would shoot you or me without thinking about
it.”
Levi Bolton, Jr., Executive Director of
the Arizona Police Association issued this statement in
response:
“The Arizona Police Association’s
membership represents 14,000 men and women who work in the profession of law
enforcement in the State of Arizona. On behalf of those who go out each day to
serve, protect, and sometimes give their lives in the service of the citizens of
Arizona, we are deeply offended by the comments made recently by GOP District #1
congressional candidate Gary Kiehne. In an Arizona Republic article citing
comments attributed to Mr. Kiehne, it is remarkable that Mr. Kiehne apparently
feels comfortable lumping 99% of mass shooters as Democrats and comparing
Vietnamese refugees to illegal immigrants. If that were not offensive enough, he
goes on to “reference” police officers as Nazi agents willing to “shoot you and
me.” This is outrageous and beneath the conduct of someone aspiring to represent
Arizona and its diverse population at the nation’s Capital. I expect Mr. Kiehne
to apologize specifically to all whom he has offended and have the dignity to
withdraw from his candidacy.”
During the 2011 Wallow Fire, 6,000
residents of Alpine, Blue River, Greer, Nutrioso, Sunrise, Springerville and
Eagar in Arizona were evacuated. 32 homes were destroyed.
The APA’s statement can be viewed on their
homepage: http://www.azpolice.org
Kiehne’s comments about mass shootings and
the Vietnamese community can be viewed here.
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For more information, please contact Tobin
for Congress Campaign Manager Craig Handzlik at press@andytobin.com or
928-275-1417.
